Wille named 2013 Educator of the Year by Wyoming Ag in the Classroom

Tomi Sue Wille working with elementary students on during a field trip. Wyoming Ag in the Classroom says Wille "consistently teaches agriculture and natural resource related lessons in her classroom and on class field trips." Photo courtesy of Wyoming Ag in the Classroom

Wyoming Agriculture in the Classroom is honored to announce the 2013 Educator of the Year, Tomi Sue Wille of Baggs, Wyo. Wille has been a 5th grade teacher at the Little Snake River Valley School in Baggs for eight years. She consistently teaches agriculture and natural resource related lessons in her classroom and on class field trips. Wille is passionate about her students understanding the vital resources that provide for the daily needs of mankind. She also wants youth to realize the ample opportunities for employment if they choose to stay in Wyoming.

Wille does not limit her dedication to just her students, but has assisted other teachers in her school to plan agriculture related lessons and field trips as well. In 2011, Wille taught Agriculture in the Classroom lessons to the entire elementary school. The experience included bum lambs and wool fleece, wool fabric and sewn wool garments, a local spinner to give demonstrations, and gave students a taste of roasted lamb meat. Wille has been trained by NEED (National Energy Education Development), and in 2012 she organized and taught energy science lessons to all the elementary students. In 2009, Wille organized and taught a natural resources expo for 3rd, 4th and 5th graders from both Baggs and Encampment at a ranger station in the Medicine Bow Forest.

Outside of school, Wille is active in her community through service projects, church activities, and as a 4-H sewing leader. Tomi Sue has served on and chaired her School Improvement Committee and helped her school prepare for their AdvancedEd accreditation in 2008 and again in 2013. She strives to set a set a high-quality example as a professional educator and helps other teachers to do the same. One of her favorite quotes is by John Lubbock, "If we succeed in teaching the love of learning, the learning itself is sure to follow."

Wyoming Agriculture in the Classroom could not be more pleased by the caliber of educators who applied and applaud Wille for her determined efforts in and out of the classroom. Wille is an example of an educator who truly makes a difference.

About the Wyoming Agriculture in the Classroom: Since 1986, Wyoming Agriculture in the Classroom (WAIC) has served as an educational resource for Wyoming focusing on critical thinking, problem solving and hands on learning. Wyoming Agriculture in the Classroom's many educational resources include: agricultural and natural resource K-12 curriculum, educator institutes, student workshops, educational grants and recognizing student and educator achievement. Wyoming Agriculture in the Classroom is committed to growing Wyoming's next generation. Learn more at http://www.wyomingagclassroom.org or call 307-369-1749.